Daria Alyoshkina

Paper cutter

©Daria Alyoshkina

©Kolya Tys

©Daria Alyoshkina

An ancient Ukranian craft

Daria creates a bridge between traditional and modern craft
She experiments with different paper cutting techniques
Her main artistic theme is femininity

A classically trained monumental and decorative sculptor, Daria Alyoshkina turned to the ancient traditional Ukrainian art of vytynanka after failing to combine the sculptor profession with motherhood. One of her main reasons for choosing the craft of paper cutting was her desire to preserve this magnificent art for the coming generations. Today, Daria is an established vytynanka master with works exhibited all over the world. Big and small in size, her magical paper cut artworks explore the topics of womanhood, nature and symbolism. Taking her inspiration from the generations that have gone before her, Daria channels this energy to create a beautiful vytynanka world of her own, revitalizing this forgotten Ukrainian craft.

Interview

©Daria Alyoshkina

©Daria Alyoshkina

Which project has been the most meaningful?: I would say a collaboration with the Cartier brand was a great artistic experience. I was given the task to combine symbols from the jewellery with traditional Ukrainian symbols and the result was truly magnificent.
What advice would you give to those interested in the vytynanka craft?: Don’t be afraid to experiment. I would say that the courage to explore with paper is key to mastering the techniques of vytynanka. Paper is a very interesting material that can always be approached from a new angle. Be creative and dare to try new things.
What is little known about your craft?: While it may seem otherwise, creating large vytynankas is much easier than making small ones. The smaller the piece, the more time and skill it takes to reach a satisfying result. Paper cutting is a thorough, scrupulous process that requires great attention to details.
What are your sources of inspiration?: The magic of traditional vytynanka is the primary and biggest source of inspiration for me. By combining my imagination with the traditional patterns and symbols of vytynanka, I achieve exactly what I want to create.

Daria Alyoshkina is a master artisan: she began her career in 2007 and she started teaching in 2011